Mansfield High School - Manhigan Yearbook (Mansfield, OH)

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THE ORACLE Lower Hall and Stairw;

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THE ORACLE A Bit of School History II 4 EVER since the days of settlement and of the little log school houses the education of their young people has ever been the first and dearest interest of the people of Mansfield. The excellent schools and school system of the city stand as witnesses of this enthusiasm for culture and higher education. Did Andrew Coffinberry, the first teacher in the township, have any thought that the efforts of himself and his early successors would result in our schools of the present day? Unfortunately the written records of the progress and advancement of education were destroyed by fire in 1S71. Nevertheless it is known that the pioneer schools sustained by voluntary subscription were for years maintained. These proved inefficient and the first school uilt in 1818. Several more quickly followed this but each under separate management. It was not until 1855 that they were united school board of three came into existence. Alexander Bartlett was placed over them as the first superintendent and also as principal of the new High School. After serving for one year he was succeeded by H. Merrell, who was in turn succeeded by W. Catlin. The latter filled the position efficiently for four years. J. H. Reed and Henry M. Parker followed in quick succession, each serving for one year. In 1873 Henry Parker resigned and John Simpson stepped into the position. During Mr. Simpson ' s administration the affairs of the schools were especially prosperous. The present High School was built while he served. After an uninterrupted service of twenty years he was succeeded by James Knott. E. D. Lyon, who was principal of the High School under Mr. Knott, was next chosen to fill the superintendent ' s position and served efficiently until 1901. Then Dr. Thomas Vickers entered into the duties of the superin- tendent and served for one year. Under him Mr. H. E. Hall, the present principal, entered upon his labors among us. At the beginning of the next school year Mr. C. L. Van Cleve, the present official, undertook the management of the schools. During the years 1904 and 1905 the High School building was made twice as large by a much-needed addition on the west end. This was equipped with two large study rooms, an excellent commercial department, a basket ball room, a drawing department, a rest room, and three other recitation rooms. A fine heating system was also added. It came into use in the spring of 1905. Ever increasing numbers are yearly pouring in as Freshmen while the graduating classes have grown in a surprising degree. Out of these classes such a large proportion enter college that the Mansfield High School can well challenge any other of its size in the state to show as admirable a record.

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THE ORACLE II Our Superintendent A leader in all advanced movements and a man of strong person- ality is Superintendent Van Cleve. Charles Liggett Van Cleve was born at Rioley, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1858. He prepared for college at the High School of Wilmington, Ohio, graduating from that institution in 1876. In September, 1876, he entered the Sopohmore class at the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- versity graduating with the degree of A. B. in 1879 and receiving the degree of A. M. in 1882. He was a post graduate student in Clark University during the sum- mer of 1901 and 1903. In 1879 ne began his teaching career as principal of the schools of Spring Val- ley, Ohio. He taught in Findlay, Ohio, District No. 9, from 1 880 to 1882. From 1882 to 1S84, he taught at South Charleston, Ohio. General Office of Superintendent. As superintendent, he directed the educational policy of Troy, Ohio, from 1884 to 1902. Since 1902 he has been the superintendent of the Mansfield Schools. Patrons, teachers and pupils are convinced that he is the man for the place, and that he will work unceasingly for their interests. As a recognition of his worth and standing as a schoolman, he has been elected president of the Ohio State Teachers ' Asso- ciation, for 1907. For many years he has had a wide ex- perience as an acceptable institute lecturer. Work is the law of life with him as with every successful man. Much more could and should be said of Superin- tendent Van Cleve, but when interviewed upon the matter, he asked that only the bare facts appear which are used in the sketch.